The Best Airport Restaurants in America

Airport dining has earned a bad rep: It's dull. It's pricey. It's downright disgusting. A bean burrito from LaGuardia? It's enough to make your stomach churn—unless, of course, you know the right places to go. That's why we scoured U.S. airports and consulted with the people who know flying hubs the best—travel editors, food connoisseurs, and TV hosts—to find amazing eateries from LAX to MIA and every connection in between. Stop by one of these restaurants on your next trip and you'll actually look forward to chowing down pre-flight.

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One Flew South: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

Tucked away in terminal E of America's busiest airport, One Flew South "feels like a restaurant on the street," says Roger Mooking, host of Cooking Channel's Man Fire Food. The eatery specializes in "Southernational" cuisine—inspired by world travels, and featuring fresh, local ingredients—and also sports a contemporary décor. If you're in a rush, perch yourself at the 18-foot marble back bar and get good to-go. "Try the grilled cake dessert—it's both unusual and delicious. I like that kind of adventure," Mooking says.

Photo courtesy of One Flew South

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Lemonade: Los Angeles International

With 15 locations across SoCal including the LAX jaunt, Lemonade has become a local favorite, redefining Los Angeles' on-the-go dining scene. The concept is simple: seasonal Cali comfort food done right. The fare has a healthy spin and is served in a fast, casual, yet modern cafeteria setting. Grab a tray and choose from prepared salads, soups, sandwiches, decadent desserts, and of course, different lemonade flavors like old fashioned, guava limeade, or cucumber mint.

Photo courtesy of Lemonade

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Cat Cora's Kitchen: San Francisco International

"Iron Chef's Cat Cora is changing the airport food scene," says G. Garvin of Cooking Channel's Road Trip with G. Garvin. Cora's post in SFO is fresh and sophisticated—a lounge feel with an eye-catching menu, Garvin adds. "I love how she does elevated takes on simple dishes like the Spiced Fresh Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese with farmhouse cheddar and organic San Francisco whole wheat. I'm also a fan of the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, made with gruyere," Garvin says.

Photo courtesy of Cat Cora's Kitchen

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Legal Seafoods: Logan International, Boston

What's a trip to Beantown without a bowl of clam chowder? Get yours on the way into town at one of the multiple outposts of Boston's very own Legal Sea Foods. The restaurant began as a fish market in Cambridge in the 1950s, and has since grown to be synonymous with fresh classics. Even more: All locations offer live lobster to go.

Photo by Getty

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Ike's: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

Ike's is a favorite restaurant in downtown Minneapolis that also has an airport outpost. "It's always nice when you can check off a must-do at the airport itself," says Samantha Brown, host of Travel Channel's Great Weekends, who also works in partnership with the BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card. Expect an upscale diner atmosphere that's "instantly comforting: retro but not kitschy," Brown says. And make sure to try the Weekender Bloody Mary—a replacement meal that comes with over 10 skewered items including beef jerky and cheddar cheese, Brown suggests.

Photo courtesy of Ike's

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The Fruteria Botanero: San Antonio International

If there were a culinary mayor in this wild-west-meets-deep-south town, Mexican cuisine chef Johnny Hernanadez would be the man for the job. Expect fresh and tasty from just about everything on the Fruteria's menu. "They have agua frescas sitting on the end of the bar that look so good, you just can't ignore them," says Mooking. And though you may be jetting out of town, the restaurant's colorful walls, thick wood tables, and designer-picked pattern chairs make you feel like you're on the streets of San Antonio—where Hernandez also has restaurants. "Hernandez is a great representative for the city, and his food at the airport respects his love for his culture," says Mooking.

Photo courtesy of The Fruteria Botanero

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Sir Veza's Taco Garage: Phoenix Sky Harbor International

Sir Veza's is exactly what you want on your stop over to Phoenix: the perfect mix of Southwestern and Mexican cuisines. You'll feel right at home with the restaurant's friendly staff, ample seating, and exposed brick walls. "Airport food is guilty of being bland and expected, but the menu here is spicy and very flavorful. I love their $8 lunch specials and Garage Tacos," says Brown.

Photo courtesy of Sir Veza's Taco Garage

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Peter Chu's Skyroom: Redding Municipal Airport, Redding, CA

At this small Redding, California airport—United Express flies there a few times a day—you won't find many airplanes, but you will find "an airport restaurant so good that people actually go to the airport for the express purpose of just eating there," says Peter Greenberg, the CBS News Travel Editor. On the second floor—above the small terminal—is Peter Chu's, revered for its Mandarin cuisine. "It's almost always jammed. It's where many locals go for dinner," says Greenberg.

Photo from Flickr

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Deep Blue Sushi: John Fitzgerald Kennedy International, New York

Deep Blue Sushi is the work of Chef Michael Schulson, who is known as the original chef of restaurant Buddakan in New York City's Chelsea area. "Unlike your worst fears of airport sushi, Deep Blue is fresh and modern," Garvin says. "The blue lighting makes you feel like you're underwater; think of it as an oasis in the JetBlue terminal." If you have time, order a few courses: "The Crispy Tuna Rice Cracker is a great way to start. They offer some great specialty rolls such as the Blue Diamond made with yellowtail. And the Kobe Beef Fried Rice brings together some great textures and flavors," Garvin says.

Photo courtesy of Deep Blue Sushi

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La Carreta: Miami International Airport

"Great Cuban food," Greenberg says of this Dade County staple that makes his list of favorite places to dine. It's named after the "oxcart"—a strong vehicle with two or four wheels used on the plantations of Cuba to transport sugar—and has become one of Miami's most recognizable names with nine locations in the area. The menu is packed with croquetas, biztec empanizados, and a flan that has been called one of the best in the 305.

Photo courtesy of La Carreta

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Anthony's Restaurant and Fish Bar: Seattle-Tacoma International

Finding fresh seafood at airports can be tough, but Anthony's Restaurant and Fish Bar location in Seattle-Tacoma's Central Terminal is "the best taste of Seattle," says Brown. Though the view may not be as picturesque as some of the chain's other locales, in terms of airport scenery, we'd say that an open layout, homey seaside décor, and jets taking off in the background cut it. Look for unexpected but memorable dishes like salmon and chips, warm up with a cup of creamy clam chowder, or sip some microbrews while you enjoy the view.

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